On Tuesday, NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos, Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe, and Mayor of Cessnock Jay Suvaal hosted a Roundtable as the NSW Government began creating Future Jobs and Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions.
New authorities will be formed in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West, and North West to generate employment, reskill workers, and diversify the economy.
“The coal sector in NSW is changing. It is vital we work with coal communities to take action now to ensure NSW’s economy and these communities continue to grow and prosper,” Minister Sharpe said.
“We are committed to collaborating with local communities, industry and workers to develop bespoke plans which prioritise future industry and workforce needs,” Minister Sharpe stated.
The authorities will collaborate with the Australian Government‘s Net Zero Authority to assist workers, industries, and communities take advantage of transformative prospects. The State Government is also investigating how it would collaborate with existing Regional Expert Panels for Royalties for Rejuvenation.
Over 60 stakeholders from mining companies, unions, energy producers, industry groups, and universities attended the meeting to express their insights on how the authorities should operate and address the region’s top objectives.
“It is vital we consult with workers and industry to better understand what support they will need. We want to ensure no-one gets left behind and that they are well prepared for the opportunities in the future,” Minister Houssos said.
“We know our future productivity will rely on the economic diversification and workforce planning that we do now. That’s why we are working with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families in mining regions prepare for a strong future,” Minister Houssos stated.
Cessnock Mayor Suvaal commented, “This is about supporting our communities, and supporting our workers and their families, while ensuring they have every opportunity as the area moves towards new and emerging industries.”
The Roundtable is a vital first step in establishing the Future Jobs and Investment Authorities, and more discussions will follow in the Hunter and stakeholder roundtables around the State.
According to the State Government, participants expressed a desire to collaborate during the meeting to create opportunities for Hunter Region’s future success.
“We are currently exploring when mining ends at Mt Arthur Coal so we can leave a positive legacy in the Hunter Valley,” BHP NSW Energy Coal Vice President Adam Lancey said.
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams stated that Hunter’s mining and energy sectors had made the region an economic powerhouse for NSW; however, the economy is changing, which will have significant repercussions for regional jobs in the following years and decades.
“I commend the NSW Government for bringing stakeholders together a practical discussion about the investment we will need to ensure Hunter residents can continue to access quality, skilled jobs and the region has a bright future,” Williams added.
